New 804's, Arcam AVR 350 versus Yamaha RXV2700

[fatswillie123]

Features versus performance is the dilema. The Yamaha is loaded with features and cheaper than the Arcam. Is it snobbery, or is the Yamaha RXV2700 receiver really less of a product than the Arcam AVR350. Which receiver will treat my new 804's better. No comments about seperates as I have no space or money for that solution.

[scanido]

AVR350 no question. You bought your speakers for sound quality and the Arcam IMO is better matched to your spearkers.

I have the Arcam AVP700, which is basically the same processor used in the AVR350, and the sound is unbelievable!

[Clepto]

It depends how much of a focus on Sound Quality you're looking for, and how much Music vs HT use they will be driving...

The amplification and audio quality of the Arcam will be superior, but if you're using purely for HT, you might be better served with the Yammy. IMO, in a pure HT environment, you're better served with the features of the Yammy vs the Arcam.

[alpina]

i agree clepto

as a previous owner of a 2600, this amp is great for ht and it's hdmi upscaling feature is so seamless. has plenty of power too, though i did mainly use my unit for preamp duties only and pre-out'd all my signals to power amps.

i think the 2700 would be even better and would serve HT listeners very well.

cheers,

julie

[style]

804S are great speakers,

Arcam is sure superior as Yamaha but to price too.....

Arcam is know how & assenbly in Englang, Yamaha is "full" from component,HDMI, optical, ....

If do you have the possibility (money) i buy the Arcam.


Style

[B&W 700 Guy]

If you were running 805's, both receivers would be ok. But, if your are listening to 804's at Reference Volumes, the amp sections of both receivers will fall short.

[scanido]

If you were running 805's, both receivers would be ok. But, if your are listening to 804's at Reference Volumes, the amp sections of both receivers will fall short.

Which would be better at Reference Levels?

[wolfgang]

Ermm..........



I must resist. :roll: Nobody like to know the truth.

[Clepto]

With either, you'd be better served with using a 2ch amp for the fronts, or perhaps a 3 ch amp for all fronts.... In which case, might be more cost effective to use the yammy as a pre and drive your surrounds in conjunction with an amp. Or if you only go 2ch amp, 'bi-amp' the L/R channels of the yammy to your center...

[Angioguy]

I've owned Yamaha components over the years, and although they make a very nice product for HT and audio, the Arcam (I have the AVR-300) is far superior for all reasons mentioned above, IMHO. Arcam is all about the engineering and for a modest 2-3k, you'll get just that. If it's bells and whistles you're after, get the Yamaha.

[fatswillie123]

Any sugestioins for a high quality 2 channel receiver, don't have space for seperates?

[Ted]

Any sugestioins for a high quality 2 channel receiver, don't have space for seperates?

For a two channel receiver, I'd look at a Rotel RX-1052. I think it retails for $899. I know there are brands that members here like more than Rotel, but I think it is very hard to beat for the money. I have Rotel seperates and have been very happy (I'm pretty new to all this thought). :T

Hope this helps!
Ted

[akhter]

Features versus performance is the dilema. The Yamaha is loaded with features and cheaper than the Arcam. Is it snobbery, or is the Yamaha RXV2700 receiver really less of a product than the Arcam AVR350. Which receiver will treat my new 804's better. No comments about seperates as I have no space or money for that solution.

As someone who used to have a Yamaha receiver, which was replaced by an Arcam AVR300, (my speakers are N804), I would say I don't miss any of the HT features of the Yamaha. The Arcam is much more expensive, and for that I get better sound quality. Also the pre section of the AVR300/350 is good enough that down the road you can add a quality power amp for even better sound.

[mahdlokg]

Which would be better at Reference Levels?

I know it's been awhile since you posted, but what ever did you decide to run those B&W's with? I'm considering Arcam right now.

[beden1]

Any sugestioins for a high quality 2 channel receiver, don't have space for seperates?

I just hooked this stereo receiver up for my daughter and I prefer it over any Rotel that I've heard. It also has a LFE out for sub woofers which not many, if any other stereo receivers offer. Very clean full sound and reasonably priced (bargain) for what it delivers.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

[mihaeli]

The same dillema

I feel just as hesitant. I am more inclined to get the Arcam 350, but Yamaha 2700 is less expensive and according to the clasification that you can see is at level 6 while the Arcam is at level 2.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738511

Given that I have the OPPO 981 DVD player I don't need the upscaling features of the Yamaha and probabaly most of the other fancy bells, but still I dont know what should be my preferences. Any suggestions?

[SteinigerGE]

If there is any chance that you will be listening to music in your HT setup, you owe it to yourself to go with the Arcam. That being said, I agree that you should probably eventually get a separate power amp, or maybe even monoblocks for the front left and right.

My experience with all the processing options on many receivers is that they are just a gimmick. If you listen to the Arcam, even in it's most "basic" processing mode, you'll realize that it sounds so good that you don't even need the "stadium", "chapel", "cathedral", or "jazz basement" type processing.

[goe2112]

I googled this, it might help you

http://www.hccawards.com/page/hccawards?entry=best_receiver_over_1k

[goe2112]

Oh, two other things, I do believe there is a bit of snobbery and the Arcam 350 is manufactured in Asia not in the UK. Other than that both should be great receivers for you to decide on.

[minelle]

Denon a1xva

I am planning to buy the 803d's. Will my denon a1xva (170w x 10) be able to drive these speakers if I bi-amp them

[WI Rotel]

My god! a receiver? Are you nuts?????? That's like buying a Ferrari and swapping its engine with a Trabant's! :frypan: 8O

[nicky]

minelle,

The denon a1xva is a good receiver. Don't listen to people who say all receivers suck and that you should "only" buy a certain separate amp or certain brand etc, etc. or that a receiver is not enough because that's false.

The receiver you have is plenty to drive your future 803ds for most people and again is a good receiver. It will be plenty with reserve for home theater use, unless you have a HUGE THEATER room and plan to BLAST the sound until your ear drums burst. Most people who have separate amps don't even use half of their capacity.

When you get your speakers and you feel like you need more power, then you can get a separate amp or go with something else more powerful. Or some people prefer the sound of separates or different brands.....the key is to listen with your ears and decide for yourself because there is no correct answer and when dealing with good reputable companies, audio is mostly subjective and individual to a persons taste and preference.

These sites are great for hearing about brands you may not have heard of and getting opinons on products to try and listen too, but they are just thta...subjective opinons and not fact. No brand is the best and no certain amp is the best. That's for you to decide.

As an example of such case, I don't like arcam very much although they are reputable and make some great stuff...just not my taste.

[minelle]

Thnks nicky for your advise. Will listen to the setup and let my ears decide.

[KRC]

Let's get back to the original theme of this string........I would go with the Arcam as its pre and amp sections are far superior, along with interior parts. Also, if you are not running 7.1, you can use spare channels to bi-amp the L/R for added control, notice I did not say to make it louder, you would have better control of the music at the same or slightly louder volume levels. In theory you would have better bass, upper bass through the mids and highs. I presently have the Arcam AVR 200 which is 2x 90 watts and sounds terrific on my 703's. I have been considering the separate pre-pro and amp route but for the simplicity and a few options I am looking for I an considering the Arcam AVR 300/350 instead, saving on interconnects, rack space, hydro etc. As noted that is my plan, to bi-amp the L/R channels and ultimately with the upgrade of my centre to a HTM 3 buy separate mono blocks and bi-amp the centre. This way I have a trend to follow with out spending alot on items which will be discarded later.

Kevin

[John G1969]

Hi,
I hope some of you would help me out with a question or two. Thanks in advance. I just registered on this site.

I'm new to A/V, but a very long-time stereo fan. I don't consider my self a techie even with stereo, but for my stereo system I have invested in Krell electronics and Wilson Audio speakers, so sound quality is important to me. My A/V system will be separate from this system.

I'm less interested in a lot of processing capability than great audio. For my plasma TV set-up, I have only stereo speakers now (Infinity Primus 360) but will add three speakers and a powered sub later (i.e., 5.1). I might also upgrade to B&W or Focal speakers rather than stay with the Infinity's. I have no interest in 7.1. Being a novice to A/V surround, I have the following questions regarding the Arcam DiVA 350:
- Will a PS3 connect via HMDI to the 350 and output stereo channels (i.e., Blu Ray movies with stereo-only mix) now, but also 5.1 surround when I get the extra speakers? Or will I only get 5.1 channels?
- Do most U.S. cable TV markets offer 5.1 channel via HMDI? I recently upgraded to a HDTV and run a HDMI cable from the HD DVR (Motorola DCT6416III) to the TV, and analog stereo output from the TV to my existing stereo preamp/power amp. Thinking to the future, I'd like to run the DVR HMDI output to the Arcam 350, as well as the PS3 to the Arcam, and output video to the TV via HMDI cable, and have 5.1 channels of audio from cable channels that may feature 5.1, and from Blu Ray movies (PS3 unit). Can I do it?

[fatswillie123]

Amp to go with 804's

I actually ended up with an A5 integated amp form Musical Fidelity...works great

[f77]

The Arcam 350 is a great receiver, it smokes most of the usual mid/low-priced 2ch integrateds in my experience. Of course, it doesn't hold a candle to something like a MF A5.